According to The Athletic, the Oilers’ addition of Trent Frederic is a wise first step before the NHL trade deadline.
Introduction
In the unpredictable world of the National Hockey League (NHL), trades often set the stage for success during the final push toward the postseason. The Edmonton Oilers, a team filled with high-end offensive talent but needing balance and grit, made a calculated move by acquiring forward Trent Frederic. The addition of Frederic, as reported by The Athletic, signifies a deeper strategy aimed at addressing some of the Oilers’ weaknesses before the trade deadline. In this analysis, we will explore how the acquisition of Trent Frederic could be a key step for the Oilers in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Who is Trent Frederic?
Trent Frederic is a 6’2”, 214-pound forward with a reputation for physicality and defensive awareness. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round (29th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Frederic has been a fixture in the NHL since 2019. His playing style centers around creating space on the ice, engaging in battles along the boards, and adding a strong defensive presence. While he may not be known for his offensive fireworks, Frederic’s role as a versatile two-way forward makes him an ideal complement to a team like the Edmonton Oilers, which boasts some of the most lethal offensive players in the league.
Frederic’s ability to provide a physical edge is one of the key attributes that caught the attention of the Oilers’ front office. In addition to his toughness, Frederic has shown improvement in his overall game, with a noticeable increase in his point production and his ability to disrupt the opposition’s plays. These qualities make him a potential X-factor for a team that has struggled with balance and depth on its roster.
The Need for Depth in Edmonton
Despite boasting a dynamic offensive duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers have long been criticized for their lack of depth and grit. While McDavid and Draisaitl provide the firepower, the Oilers have often lacked the necessary support in terms of secondary scoring and defensive reliability. Additionally, their physicality and ability to defend against larger, more aggressive teams have been questioned.
Edmonton’s struggles in the postseason have been magnified by the absence of a consistent bottom six and an overall lack of players who can match the physical intensity that playoff hockey demands. Over the last few years, this has been a recurring issue, as the Oilers’ playoff runs have been stunted by teams that can match their speed and offensive firepower while imposing their physical presence.
The Oilers’ decision to acquire Trent Frederic speaks to their need for balance in their lineup. Frederic’s skill set, particularly his physicality, could help give the Oilers the necessary depth they need to compete against the more rugged teams in the league, especially come playoff time.
The Oilers’ Roster Construction: A Work in Progress
Edmonton’s roster is still a work in progress despite having elite talent in McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers have been aggressive in their pursuit of upgrades, making several key trades and free-agent acquisitions over the past few seasons. However, consistency and balance have been elusive. The team’s defense has often been criticized for its lack of depth, while the forward group has relied heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the load.
While the addition of Frederic does not address all of the Oilers’ needs, it is a step in the right direction. The Oilers’ focus on upgrading their bottom-six forward group and improving their overall team defense has become increasingly apparent. Frederic’s addition represents an effort to solidify this area by adding a player who brings both a defensive presence and a physical edge.
Frederic’s Fit with Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers’ acquisition of Trent Frederic can be viewed as part of a larger strategy to build a well-rounded team. Frederic fits into a role that the Oilers have struggled to fill in recent years: a physical, defensive-minded forward who can play a key role on both the penalty kill and in even-strength situations. His ability to contribute offensively in a limited role, combined with his heavy physical play, gives the Oilers the depth they have been seeking.
When you consider the Oilers’ current roster, it becomes clear how Frederic could fit in. The team already has elite offensive players who can drive play and create scoring chances, but the addition of Frederic allows the Oilers to shift some of the responsibility away from McDavid and Draisaitl in terms of dealing with opposing physicality. Frederic could be a key piece in allowing the Oilers’ stars to focus more on what they do best, while he handles the gritty, hard-nosed aspects of the game.
Frederic’s ability to play on the penalty kill is another key aspect of the acquisition. The Oilers’ special teams have often been a strength, with a powerful power play and a penalty kill that has shown improvement in recent years. Frederic’s defensive awareness and ability to disrupt plays would only add to the team’s defensive reliability, especially during high-pressure situations.
Why the Timing Makes Sense
The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Oilers are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. In a season where the Western Conference is as competitive as ever, the Oilers cannot afford to wait until the final days leading up to the deadline to make necessary adjustments. The acquisition of Frederic comes at a time when the Oilers are looking to solidify their roster and prepare for the intensity of playoff hockey.
Adding a player like Frederic early in the process allows the Oilers to integrate him into the system and evaluate how he meshes with the rest of the roster. With the trade deadline just around the corner, the move also sends a message to the rest of the league that the Oilers are serious about making a push for the Stanley Cup. By adding Frederic now, they can get him acclimated to their system, build chemistry with his new teammates, and continue to evaluate other potential areas of need before making any additional moves.
The early acquisition also ensures that the Oilers have enough time to address any further needs if Frederic’s integration into the lineup is successful. This proactive approach gives Edmonton the flexibility to be more strategic with any additional moves, rather than rushing to make decisions as the deadline approaches.
The Impact on the Oilers’ Playoff Push
For the Oilers, this is not just about making the playoffs—it’s about going deep in the postseason. The Western Conference is filled with heavy hitters, including teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars. To compete with these teams, the Oilers need more than just offensive firepower. They need a physical edge, defensive reliability, and the depth to sustain a grueling playoff run.
Frederic’s presence could be especially crucial in the postseason. His physical play and two-way game could be a game-changer in matchups with teams that thrive on physicality. In a seven-game series, where the games get progressively more intense, Frederic could provide the type of energy and stability that could push the Oilers past their opponents.
Furthermore, Frederic’s ability to play in various roles throughout the lineup offers the Oilers flexibility. Whether he’s playing on the third line, providing a spark on the penalty kill, or even stepping up in a physical matchup, Frederic can help the Oilers adjust their game plan as needed.
A Wise First Step
The Edmonton Oilers’ addition of Trent Frederic is a wise first step as the team prepares for the NHL trade deadline. While the Oilers still have work to do in terms of solidifying their roster, Frederic’s addition brings a crucial element of grit, defensive responsibility, and physicality to the team. His role in the bottom six could free up McDavid and Draisaitl to focus on their offensive brilliance, while his defensive contributions will strengthen the Oilers’ overall team defense.
In a competitive Western Conference, the Oilers need to build a balanced team capable of sustaining success in the postseason. Frederic provides them with the depth and versatility needed to do so. This move signals that the Oilers are serious about making a Cup run, and it could be the beginning of a series of calculated steps that could propel them toward that goal.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers must continue to evaluate their needs and consider other moves that can complement Frederic’s addition. However, acquiring a player like him is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for a team that has its eyes set on the ultimate prize.